Rediscovering history: Innovative educational strategies

Despite differences in methodologies and goals, these initiatives are united by the desire for a more inclusive view of history. History can be made more representative, approachable and lively, which improves pupils’ understanding of the past while also giving them a more accurate and complete perspective on their contemporary communities.

Discover here a collection of innovative ways to teach history, presented during the HISTOLAB European Innovation Days 2023. 

Highlighting marginalised perspectives and critical thinking

The perspectives of ethnic minorities can be lost in conventional historical narratives. The Romanian NGO Cu Alte Cuvinte’s  Roma History for Children programme provides resources that showcase the rich history and accomplishments of the Roma people. The programme produced pedagogical materials aimed to uplift young Roma pupils and help them to overcome the stigma that is often connected to their ethnicity. Educational institutions can develop a more welcoming and courteous atmosphere by integrating these resources into the curriculum. For instance, teachers can use them to highlight the accomplishments of Roma people in a variety of disciplines, to dispel myths and promote positive role models.

The sheer amount of information in historical sources can be seem overwhelming to many pupils. The Reading Like a Historian project streamlined historical texts to help pupils better understand and interact with historical materials that may be difficult for them. Lesson plans and sets of primary sources strengthen critical thinking abilities by using analysis of historical materials and viewpoints. For example, pupils can compare several different narratives about a historical event and discuss the reasons behind the differing viewpoints and what these say about both the event itself and the ways we see the past in general.

Historical materials can be used to prevent disinformation and help pupils to become more informed citizens by teaching them how to critically evaluate historical material. The HistoryLab for Civic Engagement project places a strong emphasis on the value of critical thinking in history education as well as how it promotes civic engagement and responsibility. For instance, by analysing media from various historical eras, pupils can learn to recognise bias and propaganda tactics.

Addressing underrepresented narratives through technology

Many places, eras and groups of people are underrepresented in European history curricula. To have a proper picture of the past, it is important to repair these gaps in our understanding of people who have often been marginalised in the way history has been told. For example, the significance of African civilisations in world history, the contributions made by women in various eras and the effects of colonisation as seen through the eyes of indigenous peoples.

Highlighting the experiences and viewpoints of marginalised communities, Origins: A New Global History uses a chronological presentation of world history. It includes classroom resources to help pre-teens become more interested in history and gives a more inclusive and fair account that highlights the contributions of marginalised populations.

Pupils are able to study and present history in unique ways thanks to digital storytelling, which also makes history more participatory and interesting. The Digital Storytelling project at Otaniemi Upper Secondary School in Finland serves as an excellent example of how technology may be used to improve history instruction. It empowers pupils to take on the role of historians by creating digital stories based on historical research, and to improve their skills in research and narrative creation while gaining a greater grasp of historical events and individuals. For example, pupils may produce video documentaries using archive material and interviews with locals on historical events that occurred in their area.

The use of narrative strategies with digital media and technologies can make history more interactive and interesting. These strategies can improve the educational experience and promote diversity in the classroom by giving pupils the skills to critically analyse historical texts and participate in informed, open civic debate.